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Apr 24, 1564
Birth
Shakespeare was born and brought up in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. -
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Early life
At the age of 18, Shakespeare married 26-year-old Anne Hathaway. Scholars refer to the years between 1585 and 1592 as Shakespeare's "lost years". -
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London and theatrical career
It is not known definitively when Shakespeare began writing, but contemporary allusions and records of performances show that several of his plays were on the London stage by 1592. Some of Shakespeare's plays were published in quarto editions, beginning in 1594, and by 1598, his name had become a selling point and began to appear on the title pages. Throughout his career, Shakespeare divided his time between London and Stratford. -
Romeo and Juliet
A tragedy, which was written early in his career, is about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers.
